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Healthy or hype?

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Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It helps keep skin firm and elastic. But as starting in our 20s, the amount and quality of that collagen starts to decline.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It helps keep our skin firm and elastic. But as we age, the amount and quality of that collagen declines. And some people turn to supplements. Luis Echeverri Urrea/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption

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Luis Echeverri Urrea/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Can collagen supplements improve your skin? Here's what the research shows

October 20, 2025 • With age comes wisdom. And wrinkles. And joint pain. In wellness circles, the buzz is that collagen supplements can help with all these concerns. But are these claims something you should swallow?

Can collagen supplements help the effects of aging? Here's what the research shows

Listen · 3:43 3:43

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This Irish sea moss, Chondrus Crispus, is dried, raw and full of nutrients. Katerina Solovyeva/500px Plus/Getty Images hide caption

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Katerina Solovyeva/500px Plus/Getty Images

Beauty and health gurus love it. Do claims about sea moss sink or swim?

September 22, 2025 • It grows in the ocean and wellness influences claim it can boost gut health, reduce anxiety and give you glowing skin. Sea moss is the latest social media superfood. Is there evidence that it works?

Sea moss is the latest social media super food, but does it work?

Listen · 3:40 3:40

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In this close-up photo of a woman's feet, her hand is applying lotion to one heel.

Microgen Images/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF

Is it the magnesium or the massage? The facts about magnesium lotion for sleep

September 15, 2025 • Social media influencers claim that using lotion with magnesium promotes sleep. But there's little evidence magnesium taken in this way is effective.

Can using magnesium topically help with sleep? Medical experts are skeptical

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Close-up of woman pouring a meal replacement shake into her friend's glass. Horizontal shot.

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Are creatine supplements all that they're pumped up to be?

September 4, 2025 • Creatine supplements have long become increasingly popular as social media influencers tout their benefits. What does the evidence say?

Influencers tout the benefits of creatine supplements. Is it healthy or all hype?

Listen · 3:35 3:35

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This illustration shows three people wearing weighted vests while running or walking. Bones in their legs or arms are highlighted in white, as if seen on an X-ray.

Maria Fabrizio/for NPR

Are weighted vests good for bones and muscle? Fact-checking a fitness trend

August 25, 2025 • It's a growing fitness trend. People say wearing a weighted vest when you exercise builds bones, strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health. But does research back up these claims?

Are weighted vests good for bones and muscle? Fact-checking a fitness trend

Listen · 3:29 3:29

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Birth control pills pack. Prescription medicine that contain female hormones like estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy.

Jena Ardell/Moment RF/Getty Images

Influencers criticize birth control and push 'natural' methods. Here's what to know

August 11, 2025 • Social media is full of videos saying hormonal contraception can hurt you and promoting natural alternatives. How did the treatments get such a bad reputation and do alternatives work?

What’s the deal with claims that birth control is dangerous?

Listen · 3:32 3:32

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Orange and blue sports drink in plastic bottles on a blue background.

Sports drinks and instant electrolyte powders have gotten popular for general wellness, not just for athletes. Vitaliy Krivchikov/iStockphoto/Getty Images hide caption

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Vitaliy Krivchikov/iStockphoto/Getty Images

What's the deal with electrolyte drinks — do you need them to stay hydrated?

August 4, 2025 • Seems like nobody's drinking plain water these days. Electrolyte packets or colorful sports drinks are everywhere. But do you need them?

What’s the deal with electrolyte drinks — do you need them to stay hydrated?

Listen · 3:23 3:23

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Images from Unsplash and AD Vintage/ Illustration Andrea Daquino for NPR

Miracle balm or cow pie? What's behind the beef tallow skincare trend

June 2, 2025 • Rendered beef fat is having a moment as a viral skincare trend. TikTok influencers claim this 'natural' product is a complexion panacea. But is it? We asked skincare experts.

Miracle balm or cow pie? What's behind the beef tallow skincare trend

Listen · 3:21 3:21

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